Samburu

When drought is prolonged in their area Samburu women trek to their sacred mountain Oloolookwea which means ‘the flat topped mountain’. Once there, they pray to Enkai for rain to cover their homes again. The beauty of that monolithic stone mountain dominates the landscape of Samburu and it can be seen from miles away. It keeps alive the memories and spirits of generations of Samburu women who have visited in times when their communities needed the spirit of Enkai most.

The Samburu National Reserve—a relatively small park that has all the game viewing you could want—is in this sun-kissed county. It also has its own special wildlife gift known as The Samburu Five to boot. First there is the Generuk—one of the most graceful antelopes there is that has a long extended neck,  reminiscent of a giraffe rolling gracefully with each step. Second, we have the Grevy’s zebra (with elegant razor thin stripes); we also have the reticulated giraffe, with its own boxy pattern, standing out from the more abstract pattern of the Maasai and the Rothschild’s giraffes. Completing the group of five we have the Besia Oryx (with long straight horns and almost grey coat) and  the Somali ostrich (or  blue-necked ostrich). One will find all five only in Samburu, though you may come across one, two or a subset in other parks.

Apart from being the name of the county, Samburu also refers to the community that mainly inhabits 025. Known as the cousins of the Maasai, the Samburu are a distinct group with a different language, tradition and culture. It is thought that they branched off several centuries ago from their cousins to form a new community. Interestingly though, several of the photos that are used to market Kenya as the home of the Maasai actually use photos of the Samburu!

Did you know that the Samburu rite of passage only happens every 14 years? Essentially that means a 12 year old and a 26 year old could become young warriors at the same time, and both would have to wait another 14 years to 26 and 40 respectively to become elders and get married. No jumping the line here!

Our County 025 featured photographer is Trezer Oguda. In her own words, she is a lover of life and travel, and if you can’t already tell, she has a thing for elephants! Find more of her ventures on her Instagram page: @trezeroguda.